As many of you know, there's an art to mixing and matching your clothes--without looking like a crazy lady. Designer Carla Knapp has mastered that art: For her line Mischen (which literally means to "mix" in German) the mix-master spices up work-ready basics with cool prints, layered fabrics, and maintains modern yet retro vibe. And that's just one of many reasons why we heart this hip Manhattan-based designer. Six feet fall, and stunning as either a blonde or brunette, the multi-talented Carla lets us peek inside her cool little world and offers up a few lessons in style:

As many of you know, there's an art to mixing and matching your clothes--without looking like a crazy lady. Designer Carla Knapp has mastered that art: For her line Mischen (which literally means to "mix" in German) the mix-master spices up work-ready basics with cool prints, layered fabrics, and maintains modern yet retro vibe. And that's just one of many reasons why we heart this hip Manhattan-based designer. Six feet fall, and stunning as either a blonde or brunette, the multi-talented Carla lets us peek inside her cool little world and offers up a few lessons in style:

CARLA KNAPP

Designer

Before I go to bed I alwaysget a glass of ice water and read.When I was a kid my nickname wasCarlotchen or Lotchen (German background).

My favorite comfort food isVegetable Pot Pie.

My first "cool" outfit was apair of pink stirrup pants with a matching oversized sweatshirt with puff screenprintthat I got frommy Mom - late 80's, when I was 7 or 8.

I collectfantastic d?�cor imagery from various blogs, because I'm moving to a fabulous brownstone in Fort Greene, and I need decorating inspiration!

Bird, our youngest Boston Terrier

Our two Boston Terriers hanging out in the studio

One of my first fashion icons wasBarbara Stanwyck in The Lady Eve.

If I had to compete in the Miss America contest, my talent would beplaying piano - I had reached concert pianist level before I decided to go into fashion.

If I had more time I'd* brush up on my French.*

My favorite Prada eyeglasses

Reworked chandelier from the 1800's in our new apartment

Imagery from a huge fashion scrapbook I found on eBay from the 30's

The last great movie I saw wasThe Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

The one thing I can never throw out ishand knit mitts, scarves, or sweaters from my Oma or Omi (grandmother & great-grandmother).

The color I wear most often isPRINTS!

I can't believe that I ever wore *denim overalls... *

Mischen Pin

30's necklace purchased on eBay for $12

Satin Prada Platform Slingbacks

I'm originally fromWinnipegand now I live inNYC, soon to move to Brooklynbecausemy husband and I wanted to move here for our careers.

When I told my friends + family I was going into fashion theythought it "made sense."

Fave color combo:Oyster grey and jet black or nude/pink with fuchsia.

My shoe size is:11 (I'm almost 6' tall so I think that's my excuse for having skis for feet?)

Mischen Tag Aaron made based on a Zach Gold photo

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My favorite Valentine

Birthday (no year required):May 30th

How are you like your astrological sign? *Gemini?! Not sure.. Definitely have at least two Carla's running around in my head. *

Dogs or Cats?Dogs, hands down.

Which do you read more: Books or blogs?Books.

Fave season: Spring or Winter?SPRING!

Pepsi or Coke?Neither.. Gin.

Some of my favorite posters are from the Centre Pompidou

Studio shot of some of my favorite posters

Jeans or skirts?Skirts.

Heels or flats?Flats but I have more heels than flats...

Tea or coffee?Tea.

Snooze-button hitter or jump out of bed?Snoooooooooooze.

Pitt or Clooney?How tall is Pitt again? Has to be at least taller than me..

*A few cool Mischen originals:

Have you ever bought vintage jewelry off Ebay like Carla? Ever been to the Pompidou Museum in Paris? Aren't those posters cool? Do they stock Mischen clothes in stores near you? How are you feeling about prints and pattern mixing these days? Do you mix and match?